Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane to be close to God, seeking communion with the Father rather than asking for specific outcomes.
Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane exemplified honesty and trust, showing how believers should pray with sincerity and faith.
Jesus' last words on the cross were words of mercy, hope, and faith: 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,' 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise,' and 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.'
The walk to Emmaus mirrors the story of Adam and Eve, where the couple's eyes are opened after eating the fruit from the tree of life, symbolizing the new covenant through Jesus.
The breaking of bread in the walk to Emmaus represents the Eucharist, symbolizing the moment when the disciples' eyes were opened to recognize Jesus, linking the Old Testament's tree of knowledge with the New Testament's tree of life.
Christians should pray primarily to be close to God, seeking communion and intimacy with the Father, rather than merely asking for material or personal needs.
Fr. Mike suggests that Christians should approach prayer with the intention of being close to God, reflecting Jesus' own practice of regular prayer for communion with the Father.
Fr. Mike highlights how Jesus didn't pray in order get something from God, he prayed in order to be close to God. He also points to Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane as a perfect example of how we should pray with honesty and trust. Lastly, Fr. Mike provides insights on the significance of the walk to Emmaus and Jesus' last words on the cross. The readings are Luke 22:39-24:53 and Proverbs 26:20-23.
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